OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD PRESIDENT MORE THAN 1,500 STUDENTS In our community Dear Friends, We are proud to present this year’s annual report as a celebration of Victoria Business and Education Coalition’s far reaching impact on our students, teachers and community. VBEC offers an array of dynamic and innovative programs that enhance the educational experiences of children throughout the Victoria region. The impact we are making n this community transcends through our youth. VBEC’s motto is “Guiding Youth to a Brighter Future” which conveys a message that we believe that the work we are accomplishing-together with the community supporters like you---not only strengthens and inspires our youth, but also contributes positively to the development of our entire community. Your support is essential to our success. Thank you, Board President Executive Director

YOUR SCHOOLS YOUR COMMUNITY The effects of Victoria Business and Education Coalition (VBEC) programs on Victoria Independent School District (VISD) schools go far beyond the classroom. Victoria and surrounding communities are enriched when our schools are enriched. Everyone, from teachers and students to every community member, benefits when our students are inspired to learn and be leaders in life. Mentor Connect provides a one-to-one relationship with a student and a volunteer to help provide guidance in their academics as well as life lessons to lead a more productive life. Cynthia Morales, a teacher at Stroman Middle School, said “ three of her young male students who had failed STAAR’s were so greatly impacted by their mentor that they were able to increase their grades by has much as 26% improvement. The margins are difficult to do without the one-on-one support. MORE THAN 200 STUDENTS are being mentored by 150 MENTORS

YOUR SCHOOLS YOUR COMMUNITY Business Cents is a six course program that we offer to high school and 8 th grade students. The courses are: resume writing, business etiquette, interviewing skills, dress for success, background readiness and money management. These courses are design to give students the tools to prepare them for job interviews so that they can reach employment. Gwen Etzler, teaches high school students Pre-AP Computer Science, feels this program helps high school students understand the business world by having business leaders present the information to the students from a real world experience. Some students connect with the speakers and seek them out for employment. These partnerships help both the business and the youth. MORE THAN 1,100 STUDENTS are taught by 20 business professionals on career readiness

YOUR SCHOOLS YOUR COMMUNITY Dream Big STEM Expo provides adult role models and experts in various fields who share success stories and present various career opportunities, including the course of action to fulfill an educational goal. Each student’s potential is tapped, and career opportunities are introduced and reinforced through insightful, visual, and interactive presentations. Students will rotate through visual interactive breakout sessions having an opportunity to engage in activities and ask questions. Course sequence bookmarks are provided to students to assist them in understanding how high school courses prepare them for the career they viewed at the expo. MORE THAN 1,100 8 TH Grade students participated 12 different business speakers

YOUR SCHOOLS YOUR COMMUNITY MORE THAN TH GRADE AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH ATTEND ALONG WITH 17 SPEAKERS YOUth LEADership Conference is for incoming 7 th grade students to learn about leadership skills through fun and exciting activities for one week in June. This conference also includes high school or college students who return to lead these youth as Team Leaders. Each day has a theme such as “Goals and Dreams, Character Counts, Manners Matter which gives students an opportunity to develop skills and to attributes and attitudes needed for success in the workplace. We also focus on community service, and students are encouraged to plan service projects throughout the school year within schools. Rock climbing, robotics activities as well as many fun games that tie together team work abilities are incorporated in their daily activities.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT (January through December 2014) REVENUE VISD $ 40,000 Grants 61,550 Fundraising 17,691 Reimbursements 3,195 Released from Restriction 30,299 TOTAL REVENUE 152,735 EXPENSES Bookkeeping 3,670 Communication Services 6,252 Contract Services 2,295 Fundraising Expenses 63 Grant Writing Expenses 1,440 Insurance 1,080 Mileage Reimbursements 1,991 Miscellaneous Expenses 256 Office Rent 7,728 Office Supplies 2,222 Payroll Taxes 7,733 Program Expenses 20,901 Salaries and Wages100,695 TOTAL EXPENSES156,326